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Kelechi Iheanacho Reveals How He Felt Before Taking Match-winning Penalty Against South Africa

<p><img width="709" height="439" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot_20240208-161715.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot_20240208-161715.jpg.webp 709w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot_20240208-161715-300x186.jpg.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 709px) 100vw, 709px" /></p> <h2><a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/01/29/jose-peseiro-defends-himself-for-not-playing-kelechi-iheanacho-in-2023-afcon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho</a> has described the moment he had to score the match-winning penalty against South Africa on Wednesday, February 7, as a <em>"make or break"</em> moment.</h2> <p>Kelechi Iheanacho, who was one of the last players to link up with the Super Eagles in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ahead of the 2023 AFCON, hasn't started a game in the tournament so far.</p> <p>The Leicester City forward had not played any minute in the tournament before the South Africa vs Nigeria clash on Wednesday.</p> <p>During Wednesday's game, coach <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/07/nigeria-vs-south-africa-kelechi-iheanachos-fight-with-jose-peseiro-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jose Peseiro who is reportedly at loggerhead with the player</a> before the tournament, introduced him into the game in extra time.</p> <p>He couldn't help the Super Eagles win the game within the extra period as the match ended in a 1-1 draw and was decided by a penalty shootout.</p> <p>Fortunately for Kelechi Iheanacho, he was the last among the five players selected to take Super Eagles' spot-kicks and successfully converted it <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/07/2023-afcon-super-eagles-of-nigeria-survive-south-africa-as-they-hit-final/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to seal a 4-2 shootout win.</a></p> <p>After the win, Iheanacho told reporters that he felt like the entire country was on his shoulder at the point of taking his spot-kick.</p> <p><em>“I felt at that moment, I was carrying the hope of the nation on my shoulder. The penalty was either make or break but I thank God who made it possible for us to go through to the final,”</em> Iheanacho said.</p> <p>It will be interesting to see whether coach Jose Peseiro will give Kelechi Iheanacho any minute in the 2023 AFCON final against Ivory Coast at 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 11.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/08/kelechi-iheanacho-reveals-how-he-felt-before-taking-match-winning-penalty-against-south-africa/">Kelechi Iheanacho Reveals How He Felt Before Taking Match-winning Penalty Against South Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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I Want To Make Nigeria Happy With My Performance – Nwabali (Video)

<p><img width="638" height="392" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9926.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9926.jpeg 638w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_9926-300x184.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px" /></p> <h2>Super Eagles goalkeeper, <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/07/super-eagles-goalkeeper-stanley-nwabali-to-set-new-afcon-record-against-south-africa/">Stanley Nwabali</a> has expressed his desire to make Nigerians happy after Nigeria’s victory over South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.</h2> <p>The Chippa United goalkeeper disclosed this in an interview with reporters following the semi-final match on Wednesday in Bouke.</p> <p>Nwabali produced a man-of-the-match performance, saving two penalties as Nigeria powered their way into the Africa Cup of Nations final after a pulsating 4-2 penalty shootout win over South Africa in the semi-finals of the ongoing tournament in Ivory Coast.</p> <p>He said, "<em>I don't really know how I am feeling. When I look around, because of Nigerians, I only want to make them happy and just make them feel good.</em></p> <p><em>"I did not even expect this thing coming my way now but I give God the glory and I want to say a very big thank you to everyone, my club, Chippa United family, and my coaches here who always guide me.</em></p> <p><em>"Today showed me that it's going to be a D-day for us in the final but you know football, you can never predict but I wish it is going to come our way.</em></p> <p><em>"They always know this slogan 'you no go gree for anybody' and I really want to do more for Nigeria, I love them all. Thank you to everyone who wishes me well.</em>"</p> <p>See the video below.</p> <p>[video width="368" height="640" mp4="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ssstwitter.com_1707383319229.mp4"][/video]</p> <p><strong>Naija News</strong> reports that the Super Eagles' performance in the AFCON brought Nigeria to the final as they strive to secure another AFCON trophy.</p> <p>It is the eighth time the Super Eagles will be playing in the AFCON final, having previously appeared in seven.</p> <p>They won three of the final games in 1980, 1994 and 2013, while they lost four in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/08/i-want-to-make-nigeria-happy-with-my-performance-nwabali-video/">I Want To Make Nigeria Happy With My Performance – Nwabali (Video)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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AFCON: France, Saudi Club Moves To Sign Stanley Nwabali After Nigeria Vs South Africa Match

<p><img width="1000" height="600" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stanley-Nwabali-praying-1000x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="AFCON: France, Saudi Club Moves To Sign Stanley Nwabali After Nigeria Vs South Africa Match" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stanley-Nwabali-praying-1000x600.jpg 1000w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stanley-Nwabali-praying-590x354.jpg 590w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stanley-Nwabali-praying-400x240.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <h2>The talented goalkeeper for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/topic/stanley-nwabali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stanley Nwabali</a>, has emerged on the radar for some clubs in Saudi Arabia and France, as well as Kaizer Chiefs, a team in South Africa.</h2> <p><b>Naija News </b>reports that Nwabali is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for South African club Chippa United, which plays in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).</p> <p>However, the 27-year-old player has become highly sought after due to his exceptional performances at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (<strong><a href="https://www.naijanews.com/topic/afcon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AFCON</a></strong>) in Cote d'Ivoire.</p> <p>According to reports, there is strong interest from Kaizer Chiefs to secure Nwabali's services, as he has proven to be a valuable asset.</p> <p>This demonstrates the Nigerian's skill and reliability in the competitive league.</p> <p><strong>Naija News</strong> reports that Super Eagles head coach, <strong>Jose Peseiro,</strong> recognized Nwabali's abilities and selected him as the number one goalkeeper for the AFCON tournament, surpassing Francis Uzoho.</p> <p>This decision has paid off, as Nwabali has only conceded two goals in six matches, against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.</p> <p>Nwabali's outstanding performances have given the Super Eagles a fighting chance in the continental competition, which they last triumphed in 2013.</p> <p>Speaking on the latest interest, Nwabali’s agent, Mohammed Lawal, has now hinted at a big move for the player.</p> <p><em>“There is interest in France and Saudi Arabia. There is no surprise because of his performance during the Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast,”</em> SNL24 quoted Lawal saying.</p> <p><em>“I have only seen [Kaizer Chiefs links] in newspapers. I cannot comment on anything regarding local interest, please speak to the chairman of the club.”</em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/08/afcon-france-saudi-club-moves-to-sign-stanley-nwabali-after-nigeria-vs-south-africa-match/">AFCON: France, Saudi Club Moves To Sign Stanley Nwabali After Nigeria Vs South Africa Match</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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Stellar Eagles Soar Past South Africa into AFCON Final After Penalty Kicks

<p>Kelechi Iheanacho capped his first tournament appearance with the winning penalty.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv/stellar-eagles-soar-past-south-africa-into-afcon-final-after-penalty-kicks/">Stellar Eagles Soar Past South Africa into AFCON Final After Penalty Kicks</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv">Arise News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 1 min read
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2023 AFCON: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Survive South Africa As They Hit Final

<p><img width="695" height="434" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot_20240207-195804.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot_20240207-195804.jpg 695w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot_20240207-195804-300x187.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px" /></p> <h2>The Super Eagles of Nigeria survived a resilient South Africa  side to scale through to the final of the 2023 AFCON after 120 minutes of intense football.</h2> <p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/07/2023-afcon-super-eagles-of-nigeria-survive-south-africa-as-they-hit-final/">2023 AFCON: Super Eagles Of Nigeria Survive South Africa As They Hit Final</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 1 min read
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Nigeria vs S/Africa: APC Sets Up Viewing Centre in Abuja, Plans For ‘Super Eagles Victory Party’

<p>A goat and a white cow painted in green-white-green and the APC emblem have been slaughtered for the after-match feast.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv/nigeria-vs-s-africa-apc-sets-up-viewing-centre-in-abuja-plans-for-super-eagles-victory-party/">Nigeria vs S/Africa: APC Sets Up Viewing Centre in Abuja, Plans For ‘Super Eagles Victory Party’</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv">Arise News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 3 min read
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AFCON: South Africa Slams Nigeria for Football Safety Warning

<p>The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa warned Nigerian fans to refrain from boisterous celebrations if their team wins.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv/afcon-south-africa-slams-nigeria-for-football-safety-warning/">AFCON: South Africa Slams Nigeria for Football Safety Warning</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv">Arise News</a>.</p>

mingooland · · 2 min read
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